Interview

Written By Editorial Team

Monika Wright

Canadian artist Monika Wright creates vibrant and inspirational expressionist paintings that reveal dynamic elements of colour nuance, of magical light that glows amidst the darkness, of brushstrokes that are both wild and gentle, conveying movement and mindfulness. Based in Nova Scotia, her award-winning artwork is exhibited in art galleries, private and corporate art collections, including the Muir Hotel in Halifax and the Nova Scotia Art Bank. Leaving Toronto for a new life in Halifax in 2005, Monika rediscovered her passion for photography and painting. She developed a distinctive style which led to recognition locally and then internationally, including collections throughout North and South America and Europe. Among her awards is the prestigious Mary Pratt Crystal Award for the Canada 150 SCA Exhibition. Monika is represented by galleries in Canada and participates in exhibitions worldwide.

Her work has been published in Arabella Art, Architecture and Design Magazine, in literary and medical journals, International Women Celebrate, Enroute Magazine, Exposure, Echoes of Elizabeth Bishop, CBC Sharing the View, Arts Illustrated and The Breath of Life. Monika is involved as a volunteer and mentor in the local arts community and occasionally offers Creative Escapes and workshops. Her work is also on display in her studio and home gallery, and she is happy to discuss exhibition opportunities any time.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Leaving Toronto, Canada for a new life in the Maritimes in 2005 was life changing. I left behind a frantic and successful career for a much more tranquil life in Nova Scotia, a province on the Atlantic Ocean, burgeoning with natural beauty – and artistic talent. My creative pursuits began with fine art photography but soon evolved into painting. I was welcomed into a creative community and with their encouragement, I developed my passion and my skills. After a great sadness in my life happened, I found refuge and healing through art. It became my new raison d’être. I created a new life, a phoenix risen from the ashes. With practice, persistence, and joy, I developed a unique and recognizable style which gained recognition, first locally, then internationally. Exhibitions and gallery representation followed along with awards and publication in magazines and art books.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“Art has a profound ability to transcend the perceived differences between us, offering a way to connect on a deeply emotional, visceral level. It holds the power to be transformative – rearranging how we see the world and creating bridges that lead to greater understanding of both the world we share and the people we share it with. My travels around the globe have exposed me to diverse cultures, circumstances, and experiences, all of which have synthesized into my art and writing. This journey has transformed intense emotions – love, amazement, loss, and gratitude – into creative expressions. At times, I feel more like a conduit than a creator, as if I am merely the channel through which the universe flows. The art may be created by me, but its purpose is to be shared with everyone. It exists to celebrate life and to remind us that how we choose to live – not just where we live – defines us. As we navigate this shared existence, let’s build the puzzle of life with care and empathy, mindful of the beauty and responsibility of shaping our world together.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“The process of creation is as important to me as the finished painting. I become one with the painting as it progresses through stages of mark making. The intuitive process that springs forth is a response to the shapes that emerge on the canvas. Each piece reveals dynamic interactions of colour, layers of luminosity piercing through shadow to create depth and mystery. I turn the canvas to change perspective, a reminder how easily we can change our perspective on the world if we try another way to see it from a different vantage point. Always, there is tension and resolution. I am drawn into the painting and invite the viewer to engage in the experience of the artwork as well. Yes, it is an experience, an interaction with the work that is not complete until the viewer responds to it.”

“In my view, art has a profound ability to transcend the perceived differences between us, offering a way to connect on a deeply emotional, visceral level.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“My artworks are generally created on canvas or wood and my preference is acrylic paint, although I occasionally work with oil paint. Depending on the series that I’m working on – wild ocean waves, purely non-representational abstracts, continuum works, or deep night skies and cosmos – the techniques will vary. But always, there is movement and a focus on values. I am not committed to an outcome when I begin a work and often, something I thought was going in one direction leads me down another path altogether. When that happens, the technique may change midstream. A light glaze may turn into an impasto application! The beauty of acrylic paint is its versatility to be used in any fashion, to replicate the look of water colour, oil, ink. There are so many possibilities and I’m still learning and experimenting every day.”

 What does your art mean to you?

“My art is a meditation on life. It brings me peace and allows me to process the world around me. Although my creations come from a deeply personal and interior place, they are universal touchstones that allow me to connect with others, offering something positive and uplifting in a world that can often feel divided. My art allows me to contribute to society with non-judgemental kindness and beauty. Art is my space to reflect, heal and offer hope.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“There is no favourite piece. Once the artwork has been created, its purpose is to be released into the world, to allow the energy to continue flowing, soothing, delighting. Holding on to that energy would be contrary to that aim and would diminish its power to bring joy. And it also encourages me to move on to the next painting, to give birth to a new artwork. The universe has more gifts to give me and many more for me to share with others. The supply of creative energy is infinite.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“I have participated in many exhibitions over the years, both solo and group shows, mostly in Canada, but also internationally. Recent reviews, articles and interviews are:  NS Live TV - Studio Tour, Arabella Magazine, Muir Hotel – Artists, Canadian Abstract Artist, Peggy’s Cove Festival of the Arts, The Steel Spirit - An interview with Monika Wright, Mosaics for Mental Health, Arts Illustrated and Arabella.”

 
Editorial Team
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